January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Canada, and Alzheimer Society chapters in northeastern Ontario are increasing their fundraising efforts while emphasizing the available support and education for residents.
In Sault Ste. Marie, advocates for dementia are urging local individuals to participate in the “Forget No One” campaign by sharing their personal stories about the disease.
Terry Caporossi, the executive director of the Alzheimer Society of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District, highlights the importance of generating more discussions on the topic due to concerning projections for the disease. The Alzheimer Society of Canada predicts that the number of people living with dementia will surpass 1.7 million by 2050, significantly higher than the current count.
A recent survey conducted by the organization reveals that over half of the Canadian population expresses concerns about developing dementia in the future.
Caporossi emphasizes the need to offer adequate support to individuals living with dementia and their caregivers in the community, as the local chapter estimates approximately 3,500 diagnosed cases of dementia-related illnesses in Sault Ste. Marie, with many more dealing with cognitive impairments.
One of the major challenges faced by the Alzheimer Society in Sault Ste. Marie is encouraging early registration for support among those diagnosed with dementia. Caporossi notes that individuals often delay seeking help or information due to fear associated with a potential diagnosis.
The organization aims to reach out to the community and be a primary source of support for individuals dealing with memory loss, promoting early access to services such as recreational programs and counseling, which can significantly extend the support provided to clients and help them remain in the community for a longer period.
Funding remains crucial for the Sault chapter, with 75% of its resources coming from Ontario’s Ministry of Health and the rest, approximately $500,000 annually, needing to be raised by the organization. Economic challenges in the region, including upcoming layoffs at Algoma Steel, make fundraising more difficult for the Alzheimer Society.
Caporossi stresses the importance of increased support for Alzheimer Society chapters in northern Ontario to address the growing needs in the face of projected increases in dementia cases.
Residents are urged to participate in the “Turn the Sault Blue” campaign this month to raise awareness for dementia, with the initiative involving displaying blue holiday lights at homes and businesses showcasing campaign signs.
